Join the Campaign to Call on the UK government to Set Up a Gaza Family Scheme

Dozens of MPs have called on Sir Keir Starmer to "urgently" establish a Ukraine-style visa to allow Gazans with family in the UK to come here.

67 MPs from across Parliament — including former ministers, Labour MPs, independents, Greens, Lib Dems, SNP members and members of the House of Lords — signed a letter calling for a Gaza Family Scheme, a safe route for Palestinians trapped in Gaza to reunite with relatives in the UK, “until it is safe to return”.

“Just as the UK opened its doors to those fleeing persecution in Ukraine and Hong Kong, we believe the same generosity should be extended to Palestinian families,” the letter says.

The letter expresses “grave concern at the immense suffering inflicted on Palestinians in Gaza,” and accuses Israel of “shattering the temporary ceasefire”, weaponising starvation, and escalating attacks on civilians and aid seekers.

It notes that Palestinians trying to reach the UK face impossible barriers — including the destruction of Gaza’s visa application centre and the blockade of Rafah. Some have fled to Egypt but remain in limbo, without access to schools, healthcare, or a clear path to safety.

Labour MP Marsha de Cordova, who helped organise the letter, said:
“The Ukrainian Family Scheme was the right response to a brutal war. Establishing a Gaza Family Visa Scheme would extend those same principles. It is time for the government to act now to help British Palestinians bring their loved ones to safety.”

Ghassan Ghaban of Gaza Families Reunited added:
“Family unity is an undeniable human right. All we are asking for is the same treatment extended to Ukrainians and Hongkongers — for our loved ones who have endured unimaginable trauma under Israel’s genocide in Gaza.”

The letter calls this a “vital step” in addressing Britain’s historical and ongoing responsibility toward Palestinians, and urges the government to act.

Here’s what the UK government can and must do:

1. Create a Gaza Family Scheme — a dedicated humanitarian visa route for Palestinians with family in the UK, as was done for Ukrainians and Hongkongers.
2. Waive the biometric requirement — as biometric appointments are impossible in a war zone under siege, this barrier must be removed immediately, otherwise it is effectively a death sentence.
3. Work with the Palestinian Red Crescent and the International Committee of the Red Cross to organise mercy flights — the UK must press Israel and Egypt to grant safe humanitarian access, so children, the elderly, and those in urgent medical need can be evacuated from Gaza and brought to safety.

Here’s how you can help right now:

1. Write to your MP using this campaign text or your own words preferably - here is the tool: Write to Them (Send copies of your letter to home@positiveactionh.org)
2. Share this message on social media using #GazaFamilyScheme
3. Share the link with your family, friends and colleagues - the more people know the better.
4. Support our campaign and emergency relief work supporting Palestinians in the UK by donating here: Donate

We are not powerless. We’ve changed government policy before. With your voice, your action, and your compassion, we can do it again — for families in Gaza who have waited long enough for protection and justice.

In solidarity,

Robina Qureshi, Positive Action in Housing